Community Spotlight: Kat Cornwell

At French International, we are proud to have a vibrant community dedicated to shaping our school and enriching the lives of our students. The Cornwell-Christensen family joined French International in 2021, and daughter Logan is now in second grade. Kat Cornwell and John Christensen have been very involved in the community since they started. Read on to learn more about their love of FI! 

What’s a tradition, big or small, that makes this community feel special to you? 

For the last three years, Avery Cook has organized a Champoeg family camping trip that draws nearly half our grade. It is the perfect mix of free-range kiddos and relaxed parent time, and it captures who we are as a grade: connected, adventurous, and always up for making memories together. It is easily one of our favorite “Only at FI” traditions. 

What’s something your child has said or done that made you think: “This school is right for us”?

When she moves between English and French (often speaking French to our cat) and brings home IB-style questions about how the world works, it confirms this school fits her. We also see so much continuity between home and school, being rooted in being curious, kindness matters and thinking beyond yourself and today. She also tells us how much she misses school during the longer breaks. 

How do you see your child growing, academically or as a person, in this environment?

Massive growth! She has such a hunger for new ways of thinking and a passion for reading. She has become more articulate about how she feels and why, and her love for her friends and this community shines through in everything she does.

What is your favorite way to give back to FI? 

Gifts of time–from volunteering at the school to coaching sports. Our WhatsApp thread lights up whenever rec league sign-ups drop, with registration links flying and parents offered up as tribute to coach our all-FI student teams. Showing up is our love language. 

Why is it important to you to be involved on campus?

The adage “out of sight, out of mind” is real, and quick hugs and bits of small talk are the kind of connection that only happens when we show up in person. Friday Coffee Clubs give us intentional space to mingle and share a few laughs. We have also befriended several grandparents–one of the unexpected perks of being on campus regularly. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

We came to FI for the education, but the friends we have made are what firmly keeps us here. You truly get out what you put into building community, and while many say they want it, very few actually work at it. We are grateful to be surrounded by families who bring reciprocal energy–not just for our kids, but for us grown-ups, too.